Inline message composing with visible list view

ABSTRACT

A compose form for drafting a message is presented inline within a window along with a message list. For example, instead of overlaying the message application&#39;s user interface (UI) with a new window for composing a message, the compose form is displayed within a portion of the window reserved for viewing content of messages. While composing the message using the compose form, the rest of the message application&#39;s UI remains visible and accessible to the user. For example, the user may navigate to another folder and/or move to another message/conversation by interacting with the tree view/message list view. A draft of the message being composed may be automatically saved when the user navigates away from the compose form (e.g. by selecting another conversation in the list view).

BACKGROUND

Users routinely compose messages to other users. For example, a user may create a new message, respond to a received message, or forward a message. When composing a message, users of an email client are moved to another screen and lose the context in which they previously were working.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A compose form for drafting a message is presented inline within a window along with a message list. For example, instead of overlaying the message application's user interface (UI) with a new window for composing a message, the compose form is displayed within a portion of the window reserved for viewing content of messages. While composing the message using the compose form, the rest of the message application's UI remains visible and accessible to the user. For example, the user may navigate to another folder and/or move to another message/conversation by interacting with the tree view/message list view. A draft of the message being composed may be automatically saved when the user navigates away from the compose form (e.g. by selecting another conversation in the list view).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing environment;

FIG. 2 shows a system for composing a message using an inline composing form;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative process for displaying and interacting with a compose form that is displayed inline with a message list;

FIG. 4 shows a display of messaging window that includes an option used to display an inline compose form;

FIG. 5 shows a display of messaging window that includes a compose form that is displayed inline within the preview area;

FIG. 6 shows a display of a messaging window that includes a compose form including a previously saved draft that has not been sent;

FIG. 7 shows a display of a messaging window that includes a notification that a new message has been received in the conversation while the user is composing a draft;

FIG. 8 shows a messaging window that includes a preview area that illustrated selecting a compose option; and

FIG. 9 shows a messaging window that includes a preview area that includes an inline compose form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, various embodiment will be described. In particular, FIG. 1 and the corresponding discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which embodiments may be implemented.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Other computer system configurations may also be used, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Distributed computing environments may also be used; wherein tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustrative computer environment for a computer 100 utilized in the various embodiments will be described. The computer environment shown in FIG. 1 includes computing devices that each may be configured as a mobile computing device (e.g. phone, tablet, netbook, laptop), a server, a desktop, or some other type of computing device and includes a central processing unit 5 (“CPU”), a system memory 7, including a random access memory 9 (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”) 10, and a system bus 12 that couples the system memory 7 to the central processing unit (“CPU”) 5.

A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 100, such as during startup, is stored in the ROM 10. The computer 100 further includes a mass storage device 14 for storing an operating system 16, messaging application(s) 24, Web Browser 25, and inline composing manager 26, which will be described in greater detail below.

The mass storage device 14 is connected to the CPU 5 through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the system bus 12. The mass storage device 14 and its associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for the computer 100. Although the description of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, the computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer 100.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (“EPROM”), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer 100.

Computer 100 operates in a networked environment using logical connections to remote computers through a network 18, such as the Internet. The computer 100 may connect to the network 18 through a network interface unit 20 connected to the system bus 12. The network connection may be wireless and/or wired. The network interface unit 20 may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computer systems. The computer 100 may also include an input/output controller 22 for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, a mouse, a touch input device, or an electronic stylus (not shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, an input/output controller 22 may provide input/output to a display screen 23, a printer, or other type of output device.

A touch input device may utilize any technology that allows single/multi-touch input to be recognized (touching/non-touching). For example, the technologies may include, but are not limited to: heat, finger pressure, high capture rate cameras, infrared light, optic capture, tuned electromagnetic induction, ultrasonic receivers, transducer microphones, laser rangefinders, shadow capture, and the like. According to an embodiment, the touch input device may be configured to detect near-touches (i.e. within some distance of the touch input device but not physically touching the touch input device). The touch input device may also act as a display. The input/output controller 22 may also provide output to one or more display screens, a printer, or other type of output device.

A camera and/or some other sensing device may be operative to record one or more users and capture motions and/or gestures made by users of a computing device. Sensing device may be further operative to capture spoken words, such as by a microphone and/or capture other inputs from a user such as by a keyboard and/or mouse (not pictured). The sensing device may comprise any motion detection device capable of detecting the movement of a user. For example, a camera may comprise a MICROSOFT KINECT® motion capture device comprising a plurality of cameras and a plurality of microphones.

Embodiments of the invention may be practiced via a system-on-a-chip (SOC) where each or many of the components/processes illustrated in the FIGURES may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such a SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communications units, system virtualization units and various application functionality all of which are integrated (or “burned”) onto the chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. When operating via a SOC, all/some of the functionality, described herein, with respect to the Unified Communications via application-specific logic integrated with other components of the computing device/system 100 on the single integrated circuit (chip).

As mentioned briefly above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in the mass storage device 14 and RAM 9 of the computer 100, including an operating system 16 suitable for controlling the operation of a computer 100, such as the WINDOWS PHONE 7®, WINDOWS 7®, or WINDOWS SERVER® operating systems from MICROSOFT CORPORATION of Redmond, Wash. The mass storage device 14 and RAM 9 may also store one or more program modules. In particular, the mass storage device 14 and the RAM 9 may store one or more application programs, including one or more messaging application(s) 24 and Web browser 25.

A user interface 15 is used by a user to interact with applications and messages. Messaging application(s) 24 may be one or more different messaging applications. For example, computer 100 may include an email application, an Instant Messaging (IM) application, an SMS application, an MMS application, a real-time information network (e.g. Twitter® interface), a social networking application, and the like. According to an embodiment, messaging application 24 is an email application, such as MICROSOFT OUTLOOK®. The messaging application(s) may be client based and/or web based. For example, a network based message service 17 may be used, such as: MICROSOFT WINDOWS LIVE® or some other network based email and messaging service.

Network share 27 is configured to store content (e.g. documents, spreadsheets, messages, Web content, and the like) that are accessible to one or more users through network 18. For example, network share 27 may store content that is accessible by users located at one or more locations. Electronic messages may access/reference content within network share 27.

Inline composing manager 26 is configured to display a composing form inline with a display of a message list within a window for composing an electronic message. Inline composing manager 26 may be located externally from an application, e.g. messaging application 24, as shown or may be a part of an application. Further, all/some of the functionality provided by inline composing manager 26 may be located internally/externally from a messaging application. More details regarding the inline composing manager are disclosed below.

FIG. 2 shows a system for composing a message using an inline composing form. As illustrated, system 200 includes computing device 1 (210), computing device 2 (220), computing device 3 (225), network share 230 and messaging service 240.

The computing devices may be any type of computing device that is configured to perform the operations relating to composing, sending and receiving electronic messages. For example, some of the computing devices may be: mobile computing devices (e.g. cellular phones, tablets, smart phones, laptops, and the like), desktop computing devices and servers. Some computing devices may be arranged to provide an online service (e.g. messaging service 240 that is configured for composing, sending and receiving electronic messages), some may be arranged as data shares, some may be arranged in local networks, some may be arranged in networks accessible through the Internet, and the like.

The computing devices are coupled through network 18. Network 18 may be many different types of networks. For example, network 18 may be an IP network, a carrier network for cellular communications, and the like. Generally, network 18 is used to transmit data between computing devices, such as computing device 1 (210), computing device 2 (220), computing device 3 (225), network share 230 and messaging service 240.

Computing device 1 (210) includes messaging application 212 and user interface 216. As illustrated, computing device 1 (210) is used by a user to interact with electronic messages, content in a network share (e.g. content 232) and the like.

User interface (UI) 216 is used to interact with an application and content, such as messaging application 212 and content 232. One or more user interfaces of one or more types may be used to interact with the content. For example, UI 216 may include the use of a context menu, a menu within a menu bar, a menu item selected from a ribbon user interface, a graphical menu, and the like. Generally, UI 216 is configured such that a user may easily compose and interact with content and electronic messages. For example, a user may simply select an option within UI 216 that creates an inline composing form within a window to draft a new electronic message that may/may not include one or more links to content. The term “link” refers to an address that represents a location of content. For example, a link may be in the form of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that specifies a network location of where the content is stored. Selecting the link generally retrieves the content that is pointed to by the link.

Messaging application 212 may be a client based application, such as an email application, an Instant Messaging Application, a social media application, and the like. Generally, messaging application 212 is used to send and receive electronic messages of one or more types. A network based messaging service 240 may be used in addition to messaging application 212 or instead of one or more of the different messaging applications. For example, a web interface may be used to access messaging service 240.

Messaging service 240 may be used to process electronic messages between one or more computing devices, such as computing device 1 (210) and computing device 2 (220). Messaging service 240 may be configured to process different message types, such as SMS, MMS, email, messages for social networks and the like. Messaging service 240 may be configured with functionality of inline composing manager 26 and one or more message types may be used to communicate the electronic messages.

Computing device 2 (220) includes one or more applications, such as a web browser (222) that may be configured to access a messaging service 240, such as a web based email service and to compose messages and interact with content. For example, a web browser may be used to access an electronic message through an email service and then compose a new message that is displayed inline within a window that also displays a list view of messages.

One or more network shares (e.g. Network share 230) may be used to store content. The content 232 may be any type of content such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, slides, website content and the like. The content 232 may/may not be included (e.g. linked/attached) to an electronic message). Network share 230 is accessible by the computing devices that interact with the content 232. The network share may be associated with an online service that supports online access/interaction with content 232.

Computing device 3 (225) is configured as a mail server. For example, messaging application 212 on computing device 1 (210) may be used to compose a message that is sent to one or more recipients. When the user sends the message, computing device 3 (225) may be configured to perform various mail processing actions and to deliver the message to the one or more recipients.

Inline composing manager 26 is configured to provide functionality for displaying and interacting with a compose form that is displayed inline and used for drafting a message. The compose form is presented inline within a window along with a list display of other messages. For example, instead of overlaying the message application's user interface (UI) with a separate new window for composing a message, the compose form is displayed within a portion of the window reserved for viewing content of messages. While composing the message using the compose form, the rest of the message application's UI remains visible and accessible to the user. For example, the user may navigate to another folder and/or move to another message/conversation by interacting with the tree view/list view. A draft of the message being composed may be automatically saved when the user navigates away from the compose form (e.g. by selecting another conversation in the list view).

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative process for displaying and interacting with a compose form that is displayed inline with a message list. When reading the discussion of the routines presented herein, it should be appreciated that the logical operations of various embodiments are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the computing system implementing the invention. Accordingly, the logical operations illustrated and making up the embodiments described herein are referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts or modules. These operations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof.

After a start block, process 300 moves to operation 310, where a graphical window is displayed that includes a display of a message list including electronic messages and a preview area that displays content obtained from one or more of the messages that are contained within the list of electronic messages. Other information/panes may be displayed within the window. For example, a folder tree, calendar view, task view, contact view, social network view, formatting options and other menu options may be displayed within the window. According to an embodiment, the preview area is a reading pane that displays the selected message and any other messages that are within the thread of the message.

Flowing to operation 315, a message/message thread is selected within the display of the list of messages within the window. For example, the user may use a mouse input/touch input to select the message. Other selection methods may also be used.

Moving to operation 320, the selected message/message thread is displayed within the preview area. For example, in response to selecting a message the content of the message and any other messages in the thread (when a thread is selected) is displayed within the preview area. One or more selectable compose options are also displayed for composing a new message. According to an embodiment, the selectable compose options comprise one or more of: a reply option, a reply all option, a forward option and a new option. The compose options may be displayed in different locations. For example, the compose options may be shown near the top of the display of options. The compose options may also be shown in response to a user moving a pointing device near a message. For example, when the user moves the pointing device over a message within the message thread, the selectable compose options may be displayed using an alpha blend such that the user can still see the message content that is underneath the display of the selectable compose options.

Transitioning to operation 325, a draft message that was previously saved is automatically loaded when a draft message already exists. For example, a user may have previously started to draft a message and then navigated away from the message (see operation 350).

Flowing to operation 330, a selection to compose a draft message is received. According to an embodiment, the user selects one of the compose options that is displayed within the preview area of the window. When a draft message already exists when the message/message thread is selected, an option may be displayed requesting the user to select an option to proceed with editing of the saved draft message (See FIG. 6).

Moving to operation 335, the compose form for creating/editing a message is displayed inline within the window that is also used to display the list of messages. According to an embodiment, the compose form that is displayed comprises fields for addressing, editing, formatting and sending the message (See FIGURES below for example compose forms). One or more animations may also be performed to illustrate that the originally selected message transforms from a read-only message to an editable draft message. For example, the animation may appear to transform the draft message such that the user has added confidence that the reply, reply all or forward action is being performed on the correct message.

Transitioning to operation 340, the message is composed within the compose form.

Flowing to operation 345, a draft of the message is automatically saved upon the occurrence of an event. The event may be many different types of event. For example, the event may be an expiration of a timer (e.g. the draft is saved every 1, 2, 5 minutes and the like) and/or some other event. According to an embodiment, the draft is saved when the user navigates away from the currently selected message. For example, a user may select another message within the message list.

Moving to operation 350, a notification may be displayed to the user that is composing the draft message indicating that a new electronic message is received that is related to the message/message thread.

Flowing to operation 355, the message is sent. The message is sent in response to receiving a selection to send the message composed within the compose form.

The process then flows to an end block and returns to processing other actions.

FIGS. 4-9 show exemplary windows for composing electronic messages using an inline compose form. FIGS. 4-9 are for exemplary purposes and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 4 shows a display of messaging window that includes an option used to display an inline compose form. As illustrated, window 400 includes a folder list 410, a message list 420 and a preview area 430. More or fewer areas may be included within window 400. Window 400 may be a window that is associated with a desktop application, a mobile application and/or a web-based application (e.g. displayed by a browser). For example, a web browser may access an electronic mail service, an email application on a computing device may be configured to compose/send/receive emails from one or more different services, and the like.

Folder list 410 shows different folders that may be selected to populate message list 420. For example, the Inbox folder may be selected to show the messages currently in the user's inbox. When a folder contains additional folders, an arrow indicator is displayed that may be used to expand/compress the display of the folders.

Message list 420 shows the messages that are contained within the selected folder from folder list 410. The messages illustrated within message list 420 may be arranged in different manners. For example, the messages may be arranged by date, thread, sender, size, subject, attachments, importance, to: categories, type, flag(s), and the like. As illustrated, the messages in message list 420 are displayed by date and conversation. Message list 420 shows single messages and message threads. The messages in a message thread may be expanded by selecting the expand/collapse icon before the message thread.

Preview area 430 shows message content that is associated with a selected message/message thread. A graphical indicator, such as an icon and/or coloring/highlighting, may be displayed to indicate a selected message (e.g. a check mark shown to indicate message thread 425 is selected). As illustrated, preview area shows two (440, 442) of the three messages within message thread 425. Preview area 430 also shows compose options 435. Compose options 435 are used to start composing a new message. According to an embodiment, the compose options 435, comprise a reply option, a reply all option, and a forward option.

FIG. 5 shows a display of messaging window that includes a compose form that is displayed inline within the preview area.

The messaging window 500 of FIG. 5 is similar to the messaging window 400 of FIG. 4. As illustrated, messaging window 500 includes compose form 510 that is displayed inline within messaging window 500 in response to a selection of a compose option, such as a compose option displayed within compose options 435 as shown in FIG. 4.

As illustrated, compose form 510 comprises a send option, a save and close option, a close option 512, a pop-out option 514, message addressing options (e.g. To . . . , Cc . . . ), subject option, attachment option, message formatting options and an edit area to compose the body of the draft message 630. The space used to display thread message 440 is used to display the compose option 510. Message formatting options may display various options for formatting the message. According to an embodiment, a contextual ribbon is displayed that includes functionality used when composing a message.

More or fewer options may be displayed within the compose form 510. For example, the addressing options/subject/attachment options may be collapsed. According to an embodiment, a user may select the options that they would like displayed within the compose form 510.

While the draft message is being composed, a user may add messages from message list 420 as attachments. For example, a user may drag and drop a message as an attachment, use a gesture to attach the message, and the like. Displaying the message list 420 within the same window as the draft message alleviates the user from having to switch between application windows, using copy/paste operations, and/or using a file chooser dialog.

In response to pop-out option 514, the compose form 510 is displayed within a new window and the display of the preview area would return to displaying the message content.

FIG. 6 shows a display of messaging window that includes a compose form including a previously saved draft that has not been sent.

The messaging window 600 of FIG. 6 is similar to the messaging window 500 of FIG. 5. As illustrated, messaging window 600 shows a draft of a message that has been saved and reloaded within the compose form but has not been sent yet. Message list 420 shows an expanded view 610 of message thread 425. According to an embodiment, message thread 425 includes a space for the draft message that is currently displayed within the compose form. A user may select the draft message at any point to return to editing the draft message. Alternatively/additionally, a user may be provided with a notification 620 that the current draft message has not been sent. According to an embodiment, when the user selects the “Select to Continue Working on Message” link, the user is returned to the editing experience as described herein (e.g. See FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 shows a display of messaging window that includes a notification that a new message has been received in the conversation while the user is composing a draft.

The messaging window 700 of FIG. 7 is similar to the messaging window 600 of FIG. 6. When composing a message using the compose form, new items may be received that are related to the same conversation. It is therefore possible that the message currently being composed isn't responding to the latest mail in the thread. Notification 710 displays a notification that informs the user of the new item. According to an embodiment, when notification 710 is selected, the draft message is saved and the view is updated within the message list and preview area to display the new item within the message thread.

FIG. 8 shows a messaging window that includes a preview area that illustrated selecting a compose option.

As illustrated, preview area 810 shows a list of messages from a selected message thread 425. Compose options 830 are displayed in response to moving to a message within the preview area 820. For example, compose options 830 may be displayed in response to a cursor 840 moving to a message. The compose options 830 may be displayed alpha blended before selection, such that other content below the display of the compose options 830 may also be seen by the user.

FIG. 9 shows a messaging window that includes a preview area that includes an inline compose form.

The messaging window 900 of FIG. 9 is similar to the messaging window 800 of FIG. 8.

As illustrated, preview area 810 shows a list of messages from a selected message thread 425. Compose form 910 is displayed in response to selecting a compose option, such as one of the compose options 830 illustrated in FIG. 8.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for composing an electronic message, comprising: displaying a window that includes a message list area and a preview area that is displayed adjacently to the message list area; displaying a list view of messages within the message list area of the window; determining when a selection is made to compose a draft message; and displaying a compose form in the preview area of the window that is inline within the window for composing the draft message that includes an editable display of a recipient of the draft message.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying compose form inline within the window comprises displaying the draft message within a reading pane that displays content from a message that is currently selected from the list view.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving edits to the draft message within the compose form that is displayed inline within the window.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a selection within the compose form to send the draft message to at least one recipient.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the compose form comprises displaying content from a current message after a display of a composing area for the draft message.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a selection of a message displayed within the list view and in response to the selection of the message navigating to the message and automatically saving a copy of the draft message.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying messages within a thread within a portion of the window that also displays the compose form.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the compose form inline within the window comprises displaying a field used to address the draft message, a send option and a cancel option.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising in response to opening a message automatically determining when a draft exists for the message that has not been sent.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining when the selection is made to compose the draft message comprises determining when any one of: a new message option is selected; a reply option is selected; a reply all option is selected and a forward option is selected.
 11. A computer-readable memory, storing computer-executable instructions for composing an electronic message, comprising: displaying a window that includes a message list area and a reading pane that is displayed adjacently to the message list area; displaying a list view of messages within the message list area of the window; determining when a selection is made to compose a draft message; and displaying a compose form inline within the reading pane for composing the draft message that includes a display of a recipient of the draft message.
 12. The computer-readable memory of claim 11, wherein displaying the compose form comprises displaying content from a current message after a display of a composing area for the draft message.
 13. The computer-readable memory of claim 11, further comprising receiving a selection within the list view and in response to the selection automatically saving a copy of the draft message.
 14. The computer-readable memory of claim 11, further comprising displaying messages within a thread within the reading pane that also displays the compose form.
 15. The computer-readable memory of claim 11, wherein displaying the compose form inline with the reading pane comprises displaying a field used to address the draft message, a send option and a cancel option.
 16. The computer-readable memory of claim 11, further comprising in response to opening a message automatically determining when a draft exists for the message that has not been sent.
 17. A system for composing an electronic message, comprising: a network connection that is configured to connect to a network; a processor, memory, and a computer-readable storage medium; an operating environment stored on the computer-readable storage medium and executing on the processor; a messaging application; and a composing manager operating in conjunction with the messaging application that is configured to perform actions comprising: displaying a list view of messages within a message list area of a window; displaying a reading pane adjacently to the message list area within the window; determining when a selection is made to compose a draft message; and displaying a compose form inline within the reading pane for composing the draft message that comprises a field used to address the draft message that includes a display of a recipient of the draft message, a send option and a cancel option.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising receiving a selection within the list view and in response to the selection automatically saving a copy of the draft message.
 19. The system of claim 17, further comprising displaying messages within a thread within the reading pane that also displays the compose form.
 20. The system of claim 17, further comprising in response to opening a message automatically determining when a draft exists for the message that has not been sent. 